Softly-softly approach from veteran strike ace Nugent

PERHAPS it is a sign of the competition for striking places at Swansea City this season that the only target Kevin Nugent is setting himself at the moment is a regular place in the first team, writes Ian Hunt.

PERHAPS it is a sign of the competition for striking places at Swansea City this season that the only target Kevin Nugent is setting himself at the moment is a regular place in the first team, writes Ian Hunt.

But, despite the presence of former Wrexham ace Lee Trundle and hotshot James Thomas, it seems the old warhorse can expect to be a lot more than just a squad player over the next nine months.

Though Thomas has rattled in seven goals to Nugent's two in pre-season, the signs are that the former Cardiff City and Leyton Orient targetman will get the nod to partner Trundle against Bury today.

But, should such predictions prove incorrect and 34-year-old Nugent starts on the bench, he insists he has been around long enough not to get down in the mouth about it.

"To be honest, I have had this sort of thing throughout my career," said Nugent, embarking on his 16th season as a professional.

"Wherever I have been, there has been competition for places up front and other strikers have perhaps stood out a bit more than me.

"That's why I've never been one to set targets. I just plod along, try to do what I do well, get into the team and nick a few goals.

"This season my aim is just to get into the starting XI each Saturday."

The Londoner might not possess the flair of twinkle-toed Trundle or the goal-scoring threat of Thomas, but is he not under-selling himself?

"Well, all strikers are different and I guess I'm one who relies on service," says Nugent, who has been at the Vetch since mid-January.

"If you look at Lee for example, he has something a lot of us haven't - he can create goals for himself.

"He'll take on two players and then smash the ball into the net - I remember Shaun Goater being a bit like that at Bristol City.

"But, whereas Goater would be quiet for most of the game before making a yard for himself and finding the net, Lee is involved in a lot of the build-up. He is a real box of tricks."

Nugent

admits to feeling a special buzz about the season ahead. "We feel this could be a good year for Swansea," said Nugent.